Declining muscle mass is part of aging, but not inevitable,

March 2016Harvard Men’s Health Watch

Move it or lose it is still part of the program. From building bone density to lean muscle mass, exercise is a given.

Boston, MA — Age-related muscle loss, called sarcopenia, is a natural part of getting older. After age 30, men begin to lose as much as 3% to 5% of their muscle mass per decade. In fact, most men will lose about 30% of their muscle mass during their lifetime. Less muscle means greater weakness and less mobility, both of which may increase a person’s risk of falls and fractures.

But just because a man loses muscle mass does not mean it is gone forever, according to the March 2016issue of the Harvard Men’s Health Watch. “Older men can indeed increase muscle mass lost as a consequence of aging,” says Dr. Thomas W. Storer, director of the exercise physiology and physical function lab at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “It takes dedication and a plan, but it is never too late to rebuild muscle and maintain it.”

One of the best ways to build muscle mass is progressive resistance training, or PRT, says Dr. Storer. PRT gradually increases workout volume—weight, reps, and sets—as strength and endurance improve. This approach builds muscle while helping to avoid exercise plateaus.

Diet is equally important, adds Dr. Storer. Research suggests older adults need higher amounts of protein in their diet, which the body breaks down into amino acids to use for muscle growth.

The Harvard Men’s Health Watch is available from Harvard Health Publications, the publishing division of Harvard Medical School, for $20 per year. Subscribe at www.health.harvard.edu/mens or by calling 877-649-9457 (toll-free).